Introduction

  • 5 minutes

TypeSpec is an open-source language developed by Microsoft that simplifies development and enables the creation of powerful declarative agents for Microsoft 365 Copilot, making it easier for developers to design, customize, and deploy solutions efficiently.

Imagine you're a developer tasked with creating a custom agent for your organization’s Microsoft 365 Copilot environment. Your team needs an agent that can respond to user queries in creative ways, integrate with tools like OneDrive and Teams, and even interpret Python-based code. However, you’re struggling to find a streamlined way to define the agent’s behavior, ensure compatibility with existing systems, and validate its functionality. Without the right tools, this process feels overwhelming and time-consuming. Enter TypeSpec and the Microsoft 365 Agents Toolkit. These tools not only simplify the process of defining APIs but also enable you to build, configure, and enhance declarative agents tailored to your organization’s needs. By leveraging these technologies, you can create an agent that boosts productivity, fosters collaboration, and integrates seamlessly into your existing workflows.

Scenario

You're a junior developer at a company exploring the use of Microsoft 365 Copilot to enhance productivity. You have been tasked you with creating a basic declarative agent using the Microsoft 365 Agents Toolkit with TypeSpec. This agent will provide tailored responses and assist users by leveraging custom instructions and conversation starters.

You're also tasked with integrating various knowledge sources with your declarative agent like web content, OneDrive/SharePoint data, and Teams messages. By the end of this lab, you'll have a functional agent tailored to your organization's needs.

Learning objectives

In this module, you'll learn:

  • Explain the purpose and benefits of TypeSpec in its role in creating declarative agents.
  • Scaffold and test a declarative agent with Microsoft 365 Agents Toolkit.
  • Configure and customize declarative agents with TypeSpec.
  • Create and enhance declarative agents for Microsoft 365 Copilot.

Learning outcomes

After completing this module, you’ll be able to:

  • Explain the purpose and benefits of TypeSpec in its role in creating declarative agents.
  • Build a basic declarative agent using TypeSpec and the Microsoft 365 Agents Toolkit in Visual Studio Code.
  • Configure and customize an agent’s behavior, including adding conversation starters and testing its functionality in Microsoft 365 Copilot.
  • Integrate advanced capabilities into a declarative agent, such as web content, OneDrive/SharePoint data, Teams messages, and Python-based code interpretation.
  • Validate and deploy a fully functional agent tailored to meet specific organizational needs.